CS5055 Brother Sewing Machine Manual

The Brother CS5055 is a versatile, user-friendly computerized sewing machine designed for a wide range of sewing projects. It features 50 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a drop-in bobbin system, a one-step buttonhole, variable speed control, and a bright LED work light. This manual provides essential information on safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to help you get the most from your machine.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Settings 8. Basic Sewing Techniques 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Computerized control panel, Automatic needle threader, Drop-in bobbin system, Built-in stitches, Free arm, LED work light, Foot pedal, Accessory storage.

Feature	Description
Built-in Stitches	50 stitches including utility, decorative, and heirloom
Automatic Needle Threader	Easily threads the needle with a simple lever
Drop-in Bobbin	Top-loading, jam-resistant bobbin system with clear cover
One-Step Buttonhole	Automatically creates buttonholes of the correct size
Variable Speed Control	Slider for precise speed adjustment
LED Work Light	Brightly illuminates the sewing area
Free Arm	Removable accessory tray for sewing cuffs and sleeves
Needle Position Button	Raises/lowers needle and sets needle up/down
Reverse Stitch Button	Secures stitches at beginning and end
Stitch Length/Width Dial	Adjusts stitch dimensions for selected stitches

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all contents. Place machine on a stable, flat surface.

Remove all packaging materials and tape from the machine.
Attach the accessory tray to the free arm if removed.
Plug the foot pedal into the machine, then plug the power cord into the machine and a 120V AC outlet.
Install the needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to the back, tighten screw.
Wind the bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winding tension disc, wind bobbin using bobbin winding shaft.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot and under tension spring.
Thread the upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine, use automatic needle threader if available.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from moving parts. Always turn off and unplug machine when threading, changing needle, or performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on the machine; familiarize yourself with basic controls.

Turn on power switch located on right side of machine.
Select a stitch: Use stitch selection dial or buttons to choose desired stitch (e.g., straight stitch #01).
Adjust stitch length and width using dials (if applicable for selected stitch).
Place fabric under presser foot, lower presser foot lever.
Gently press foot pedal to begin sewing. Control speed with foot pressure.
Use reverse stitch button to secure beginning and end of seam.
Raise needle, then raise presser foot to remove fabric.

CAUTION! Always start with scrap fabric to test stitches and tension. Ensure proper needle and thread for your fabric type.

Specifications

Type: Computerized Sewing Machine
Built-in Stitches: 50 stitches
Buttonholes: 1 one-step automatic buttonhole
Needle Threading: Automatic
Bobbin: Drop-in, Class 15 transparent
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 5mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 7mm
Speed: Up to 850 stitches per minute
Lighting: Bright LED
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: 15.7" x 7.1" x 12.2"
Weight: 13.2 lbs

Controls and Functions

Access functions via control panel. Front Panel: Power switch, Stitch selection dial, Stitch length/width dials, Reverse stitch button, Needle position button.

Control Panel: Stitch selection buttons, LCD display (shows selected stitch), Start/stop button (for sewing without foot pedal), Speed control slider.

Stitch Settings: Length (0-5mm), Width (0-7mm). Utility: Straight, zigzag, stretch, blind hem. Decorative: Scallop, shell, feather, quilting. Special Functions: Needle up/down, Automatic thread cutter (if equipped), Twin needle capability.

Stitch Selection & Settings

Select from 50 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting stitches.

Turn stitch selection dial or press stitch buttons to choose stitch number.
Refer to stitch chart on machine or manual for stitch applications.
Adjust stitch length: Higher numbers = longer stitches (for basting); lower numbers = shorter stitches (for fine fabrics).
Adjust stitch width: For zigzag and decorative stitches (0-7mm). Straight stitch width is fixed.
For buttonholes: Select buttonhole stitch, place button in foot, machine automatically sizes buttonhole.
For stretch stitches: Use for knit fabrics to prevent popped seams.

Tip: Always test stitch settings on a scrap of your project fabric before sewing.

Basic Sewing Techniques

Master these fundamental techniques for successful sewing.

Straight Seam: Use straight stitch (#01), guide fabric edge along seam guide for consistent seam allowance.
Zigzag Finish: Use zigzag stitch (#02-06) along raw edges to prevent fraying.
Buttonhole: Attach buttonhole foot, select buttonhole stitch, place button in back of foot, machine sews perfect buttonhole.
Blind Hem: Use blind hem stitch (#09) with blind hem foot for nearly invisible hems.
Decorative Stitching: Use decorative stitches with matching or contrasting thread for embellishment.
Free-motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs, use darning foot for quilting or embroidery.
Gathering: Use longer straight stitch, pull bobbin thread to gather fabric evenly.

WARNING! Always use appropriate presser foot for each technique. Never pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move it.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Unplug machine before any maintenance.
Clean lint and dust: Remove needle plate, bobbin case, and use small brush to clean feed dogs and bobbin area.
Oil machine: Apply 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil to hook race and other moving parts as indicated in manual (do not use household oil).
Needle replacement: Change needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or with each new project.
Check belt tension periodically if machine seems underpowered.
Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

CAUTION! Never use compressed air to clean machine as it can force lint deeper into mechanism. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-888-5522. This product may be covered by one or more patents. See www.brother.com/patents for details.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine doesn't run	Not plugged in/Power switch off	Check power connection; ensure power switch is on.
Thread breaks	Incorrect threading/Tension too tight	Rethread completely; reduce upper tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/Bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type/size for fabric; don't pull fabric.
Uneven stitches	Incorrect tension/Threading	Check threading of both upper and bobbin threads; adjust tension.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered/Stitch length zero	Raise feed dogs; increase stitch length; clean feed dog area.
Bobbin thread bunches	Bobbin threaded incorrectly	Remove and rethread bobbin ensuring correct direction.
Machine is noisy	Lint buildup/Needs oiling	Clean lint from bobbin area; apply sewing machine oil as directed.
Buttonhole doesn't form	Wrong foot/Stitch not selected	Use buttonhole foot; ensure buttonhole stitch is selected.

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset computerized functions if display shows error.

Service: 1-877-888-5522; www.brother-usa.com. Authorized service centers only.